Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 5
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
अश्वत्थपत्रसदृशी किञ्चित् कुण्डे निवेशिता तुर्याङ्गुलायता नालं पञ्चदशाङ्गुलायतं
aśvatthapatrasadṛśī kiñcit kuṇḍe niveśitā turyāṅgulāyatā nālaṃ pañcadaśāṅgulāyataṃ
কুণ্ডের মধ্যে সামান্য বসিয়ে তাকে অশ্বত্থ-পত্রের ন্যায় আকৃতি দিতে হবে। তার নাল (নলি) চার অঙ্গুল দীর্ঘ হবে এবং সমগ্র দৈর্ঘ্য পনেরো অঙ্গুল হবে।
Lord Agni (in dialogue context of Agni Purana instruction to the sages, commonly Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardizing the dimensions and shape of a medicinal/processing implement (or component) described via aśvattha-leaf analogy, including tube length and overall length, for consistent preparation/administration.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Aśvattha-patra-sadṛśa yantra/ādhāra: kuṇḍa-niveśa & nāla-māna","lookup_keywords":["aśvattha-patra","kuṇḍa","nāla","aṅgula-māna","bhaishajya-kalpa"],"quick_summary":"Specifies a leaf-like form set into a basin and gives exact aṅgula measures for the tube and total length, enabling reproducible construction of a preparation/dispensing component."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Dravya/yantra-sādhana depends on precise māna; analogy (upamā) bridges observation and standardization.
Application: Use recognizable natural forms (leaf-shape) plus fixed measures to reduce ambiguity in medical apparatus design.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Dravya-guna & Bhaishajya-kalpa / medicinal preparation measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A small basin (kuṇḍa) with an inserted leaf-shaped component resembling an aśvattha leaf; a tube (nāla) extends 4 aṅgulas; the whole assembly measures 15 aṅgulas, shown with a measuring scale.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Ayurvedic workshop scene with a vaidya and assistant, a kuṇḍa on the floor, leaf-shaped insert and short tube; warm earthy palette, bold contours, minimal shading.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: devotional-craft hybrid—vaidya crafting the leaf-shaped piece, gold accents on the vessel rim and measuring rod; rich reds/greens, ornamental border.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean didactic depiction of the apparatus with labeled aṅgula measures (4 and 15), delicate linework, soft colors, emphasis on clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: apothecary scene with detailed vessels and instruments; the leaf-shaped insert drawn precisely; fine calligraphy notes for dimensions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अश्वत्थपत्रसदृशी = अश्वत्थ + पत्र + सदृशी; तुर्याङ्गुलायता = तुर्याङ्गुल + आयता; पञ्चदशाङ्गुलायतं = पञ्चदशाङ्गुल + आयतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (māna sections; kuṇḍa/nāla related measures nearby)
FAQs
It gives precise dimensional standards (aṅgula-based) and shape guidance (aśvattha-leaf form) for a tube-like component (nāla) to be set into a kuṇḍa, indicating a technical specification used in a preparation or procedure.
Beyond mythology, it preserves practical, workshop-like specifications—shape, placement, and standardized measurements—showing the text’s coverage of applied sciences such as Ayurvedic preparation methods and technical apparatus description.
By prescribing exact, tradition-backed standards, the verse reflects the dharmic ideal of correctness (yathāvidhi): proper method and accurate measure are treated as integral to purity, efficacy, and merit in sacred or therapeutic acts.